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Newark Arena to be put on hold font
Originally appeared in News 12 on September 6, 2001
As you know, we're smack in the middle of a gubernatorial
election. This plan is that of our acting governor's, but the
republican running for office is Bret Schundler.
He opposes the plan, saying it would be a burden to
taxpayers. Since the plan is so politically charged, the
whole vote was put on hold. And from what politicians tell
News 12 New Jersey, they'll wait until after the election.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bret Schundler
considered the delay a victory.
Schundler's position is that taxpayers should not have to
foot the bill if the arena goes belly up. The 190-million dollar
proposal would get state financing in the way of bonds.
Add-ons to the bill could make it nearly a one-billion dollar
project.
In a statement, the acting governor said, "I am deeply
disappointed that the assembly failed to act today. What
started as an effort to address a very real and significant
problem has apparently fallen victim to election year
politics."
Assemblyman Donald Payne, a democrat on the
committee that cancelled its discussion on the arena
subject, says he's hopeful the topic will be brought up
again.
But it will not be easy.
Thursday, democrat Jim McGreevey said he would oppose
the current bill due to all the additional expensive add-ons.
McGreevey is otherwise in support of the arena plan. If
elected, it's expected the plan would be passed.
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